1

See your Dr:
With your history of a shunt and new onset of headaches, lability, and slow cognition, I would recommend that you be seen by a Dr as soon as possible. If you are unable to get hold of your Dr right away, then go to the ER.
...Read more

Allergies occur when your immune system is triggered by envirionmental factors it should ignore--for example, pollen in the air, or dander on a cat or dog--and creates cells to fight against them. An allergic reaction typically causes itching, congestion, or drainage, and can be very serious.
...Read more

2

Autoimmune:
Post-infectious sequelae can cause a variety of syndromes and symptoms, largely of the autoimmune etiology. CIDP is a possibility. Do you have reflexes? CIDP can be diagnosed with EMG/NCS. Did you have that? There are panels of antibodies associated with not only CIDP but also autoimmune dysautonomia, which is another consideration. Were these panels sent? Mayo has comprehensive panels. For dysautonomia testing, I would recommend tilt table and skin biopsy for small fiberneuropathy. Other considerations include myopathies, which can be metabolic or mitochondrial, and I would recommend EMG as well as possible muscle biopsy.
...Read more

7

Blood levels:
Acetazolamide (a) is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. It can be used for the treatment of moderate to severe metabolic or respiratory alkalosis. A does this by interfering with bicarbonate (sodium bicarbonate) (hco3-) reabsorption in the kidneys, thereby reacidifying the blood – hence alkalyzing the urine. The physician wants to monitor how the co2 levels in the blood are to see if changes in the dose of a are needed.
...Read more

8

Your question is:
Beyond the scope of this general question format. To avoid an escapist reply you may consider a virtual consult with a HealthTap physician. Per our guidelines "public answers on HealthTap aren't intended for individual treatment, prescription or diagnosis."
...Read more

10

A mild variety:
Common side effects of acetazolamide include dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, and an increased frequency of urination during the first few days of taking the pill. It may cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Acetazolamide’s side effects are typically mild in nature.
...Read more

11

Acetazolamide:
This drug works in the kidneys by inhibiting an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase. Carbonic anhydrase is the enzyme responsible for moving bicarbonate (sodium bicarbonate) (a base) from the kidney back into the blood stream. Acetazolamide blocks this action, resulting in more acidic blood/more basic urine. This drug has a half-life of 15 hours, so depending on the dose may take a few days to clear.
...Read more

14

Partly:
Acute glaucoma is due to an anatomical eye issue most common in older adults who are hyperopic. Their internal fluid drainage is blocked by the iris. The goal is to lower the pressure and move the iris out of the way. This is done with several types of eyedrops and acetazolamide helps to lower the pressure. These folks will eventually have a laser opening made in their iris to prevent attacks.
...Read more

15

Fluids and Time:
Diamox (acetazolamide) is passed unchanged by the kidneys in about 18 hours. It causes dehydration and often a drop in potassium. There is no antidote. It can alter the acid/ base state of the body and a serious poisoning may need hospitalization. If you mean side effects like tingling, drowsiness, vision changes--they will subside on their own over the course of 24 hours.
...Read more

16

Sometimes:
Typically the goal is to relieve pupillary block during an acute glaucoma attack. This can be done in various ways -- meds, lasers, eye pressure, etc. Depending on the view through the cornea, the eye pressure, the duration of attack, pain level, etc. Different or multiple methods may be combined. Acetazolamide is a medication oral or iv.
...Read more

18

Higher doses:
You can be on much higher doses; however, most start to complain of side effects at those doses. If you have papilledema (swollen optic nerves) your doctors may insist on higher doses despite side effects.
...Read more

Vominting for 2 wks:
Yes Diamox (acetazolamide) is sometimes used to prevent altitude sickness. Vomiting for two weeks does not sound like altitude sickness. It sounds more like infection. Better see your doctor for a check up.
...Read more

Possible headache:
With the lower dose you may experience a return of symptoms. You should get your prescription refilled tonight either through your doctor or via live consult here on Health Tap.
...Read more

More than 1 problem:
You may have more than one problem here -- pseudotumor cerebri and a mood disorder. Diamox (acetazolamide) isn't known for side effects like this. Also, the cause is unknown in most cases of pseudotumor cerebri. There can be narrowing in the transverse sinuses of the brain, but it's unclear whether this is a cause or effect of the condition. You may want to see a psychiatrist for evaluation and suggestions.
...Read more

22

Makes Blood Acidic:
We hyperventilate at altitude, trying to grab more oxygen molecules. We blow off too much CO2 & ruin our acid base balance. We feel unwell. Diamox forces kidneys to excrete bicarbonate, (sodium bicarbonate) a base of carbonic acid; speeding the move toward more normal acid base status--something that would take our bodies days to do. With Diamox, we achieve this much more quickly & avoid minor altitude symptoms.
...Read more

23

Acetazolamide:
The half-life of acetazolamide is 10-15 hours. So that means that by roughly 15 hours, half of it has cleared, and half is still in the body. The concentration cotinues to be cut in half every 15 hours. Depending on the dosage and frequency, it lasts in the body for at least a few days.
...Read more

24

Acetazolamide:
The half-life of acetazolamide is 10-15 hours. So that means that by roughly 15 hours, half of it has cleared, and half is still in the body. The concentration cotinues to be cut in half every 15 hours. Depending on the dosage and frequency, it lasts in the body for at least a few days.
...Read more

25

The Most Common::
Carbonated drinks taste awful for many on Diamox (acetazolamide) which can be a surprise if you are a dedicated soda pop fan; beer becomes dreadful as well. Foods may also become either bitter or oddly bland though this side effect sometimes fades with time. Others might note a metallic taste in their mouth. A few complain of nausea and loss of appetite.
...Read more

26

Almost any...:
Whatever pain medication is appropriate for the painful disorder that you are currently experiencing, is likely to be safe with the drug you are asking about., as always, check with your doc.
...Read more

27

Lowers pressure:
Diamox (acetazolamide) is a terrific agent for lowering the internal pressure of the eye. This will only have an effect on the vision if over the long run the vision would have been threatened by elevated pressure when Diamox (acetazolamide) could have normalized it. In the short run, no effects will be symptomatic.
...Read more

28

Treatment?:
Depends on what you are being treated for. I.E. Eye pressure, headaches, pseudotumor, altitude sickness, CSF issues, seizures, diuresis, etc. And if it is working or if you have any side effects.
...Read more